HOSPITAL CORNER

We appreciate everyone who voted in the recent election. We are truly grateful for the outpouring support we have received. A big thumbs up to the levy committee that took time out of their busy schedules to reach out to our community—we could not have done it without you! We want to ensure everyone that our brightest days are ahead as we put our best foot forward.

We are sad to announce that after four great years at Garfield County Hospital District (GCHD), Rhonda Freeman has decided to retire. Rhonda has worked as a nurse or nurse practitioner for the last 45 years and has definitely earned her retirement. Although we are deeply saddened to lose such a valued member of our team, we wish Rhonda the best in her retirement. Today, May 7, is her last day at the clinic and then she will be working on packing up to move with her husband back to their home state of Florida. Unfortunately, because of the restrictions with COVID-19, we will not be able to host a retirement celebration for Rhonda.

With Rhonda’s departure, we want to assure you that we still have several outstanding providers ready to meet your healthcare needs. Dr. Iacobelli is at the clinic full time and is accepting new patients. Josh Mayfield and Courtney Anderson will be available two afternoons a week for same day appointments. Sonny Talbot continues to serve his patients every Monday and Dr. Park is at the clinic every other Thursday, both of which have limited availability for new patients. Our staff is here to help if you need to transfer care or schedule an appointment.

We want to highlight another area we are working on to improve revenue. We are currently working on enrolling in and implementing new processes for the 340B Drug Pricing Program. This is a federal program available to rural facilities that allows us to purchase medications at reduced prices. We will be working with the Pomeroy Pharmacy for this program which should help them as well. Rough estimates are that the hospital will profit $120,000 or more annually from this program. This is just one step we are taking to try to improve revenue at the GCHD. We continue to look at and work on several other strategies.

As always we appreciate your support and please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.